Cannabis Cultivation Permitting

Cannabis cultivators applying for an Annual License from the California Department of Food and Agriculture must have a Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Agreement or written verification that one is not needed. CDFW requires an LSA Agreement when a project activity may substantially adversely affect fish and wildlife resources. LSA Agreements provide actions to avoid and minimize adverse impacts and provide protections to California’s fish and wildlife resources.

To apply for an LSA Agreement or verification that an Agreement is not required, notify CDFW of your cannabis cultivation activities.

Have questions about our Environmental Permit Information Management System (EPIMS)?

If you believe your cannabis cultivation project will not substantially modify any river, stream, or lake, you may complete the online self-certification. CDFW will review the information you submit and determine whether you need to submit a notification.

If you do not need to submit a notification, CDFW will provide you with written verification that a Lake or Streambed Alteration (LSA) Agreement is not required.

Please note that if any part of your cultivation is located outdoors, you are ineligible for self-certification.

To apply for the General Agreement, you will need to provide the following information and certify that you are in possession of the Biological Resources Assessment, Property Diagram, and, where applicable, the Design Plan.

For project and site specific questions, contact the CDFW Region (PDF) where the project is located.

Cannabis cultivation projects that are not eligible for the General Agreement may apply for a Standard Lake or Streambed (LSA) Agreement. Standard Agreements may be short term or long term. A Standard Agreement is specific and unique for each project. They include measures to protect fish and wildlife resources.

TAKES A LITTLE TIME: If you are requesting a short-term Standard Agreement (5 years or less), CDFW has up to 30 calendar days to determine if the notification is complete. Once CDFW determines the notification is complete, CDFW has up to 60 calendar days to issue a draft Standard Agreement or a letter stating an agreement is not needed. These timelines do not apply to long-term Standard Agreement requests (greater than 5 years).

CDFW works with individuals to develop a site- and project- specific Standard Agreement. CDFW may need to conduct a site visit.

Avoid Delays: Submit a complete notification with all of the requested information and a detailed project description. CDFW will ask for additional information if the notification is incomplete. Learn more about the 10 common causes for delays (PDF).

California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Permits

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies to all discretionary projects to be conducted or approved by a California public agency, including LSA Agreements. Before issuing an LSA Agreement, CDFW must comply with CEQA. However, CEQA does not apply to the General Agreement.

Other Fish & Wildlife Laws

You and any person acting on your behalf are responsible for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws that apply to each Authorized Activity. This includes, but is not limited to, the following sections of Fish and Game Code: